The Association of Foreign press in Portugal (AIPE) has cancelled the deliver of the Portuguese Personality of the Year 2008 award because the recipient, Cristiano Ronaldo, spurned the prize.
Each year, the AIPE choose an outstanding Portuguese, whose activity has boosted the image of the country abroad, and this year they chose the Manchester United star to receive the accolade.
"Ronaldo had not given value to the prize, with which at the same time he represents his country," AIPE president Belén Rodrigo said.
"We have made easy to set a date of the prize ceremony because he know the agenda of the soccer players is complicated. Even though, we did not get answer and they delayed it till the limit.
"It is a shame not having received even a few words of gratitude from his part. Previous winners always received it with great pride."
In the past, the award has been received by well known personalities as president of the European Comission José Manuel Barroso, winner of the Nobel of Literature José Saramago and architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.
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Each year, the AIPE choose an outstanding Portuguese, whose activity has boosted the image of the country abroad, and this year they chose the Manchester United star to receive the accolade.
But Ronaldo did not contact AIPE to thank the prize or to show any interest about it, becoming the first recipient in 20 years to ignore the honor all-together.
"Ronaldo had not given value to the prize, with which at the same time he represents his country," AIPE president Belén Rodrigo said.
"We have made easy to set a date of the prize ceremony because he know the agenda of the soccer players is complicated. Even though, we did not get answer and they delayed it till the limit.
"It is a shame not having received even a few words of gratitude from his part. Previous winners always received it with great pride."
In the past, the award has been received by well known personalities as president of the European Comission José Manuel Barroso, winner of the Nobel of Literature José Saramago and architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.
Related links:
Personal
Also see:
